Opening the Singapore-IRENA High-Level Forum at SIEW 2025, H.E. Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-Charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore, called for decisive collective action to advance the region’s energy transition goals.
Turning regional potential into renewable power
H.E. Dr Tan shared that while Southeast Asia is rich in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower resources, achieving the region’s renewable goals will require collective resolve. The newly endorsed ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030 sets clear targets for renewables to meet 30 percent of total energy demand and account for 45 percent of installed power capacity by 2030. H.E. Dr Tan emphasised the need to mobilise resources and strengthen cooperation to realise these goals.
Mobilising capital and policy to make renewables bankable
Highlighting that US$6-7 trillion of investments will be needed by 2050 to decarbonise ASEAN’s power, transport, buildings, and industry sectors, H.E. Dr Tan called for stronger public-private collaboration, underpinned by credible policy frameworks, stable regulations, and regional cooperation to boost investor confidence. Singapore, he added, is already catalysing projects for cross-border electricity trade that not only create new renewable capacity but also spur job creation, investment, and tax revenue, tangible proof that decarbonisation can drive economic growth.
Strengthening cooperation through APRESA
H.E. Dr Tan described IRENA’s launch of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia (APRESA) as a timely initiative to address key regional challenges, from cross-border electricity trade to project financing and grid modernisation.
He underscored Singapore’s commitment to co-developing APRESA alongside fellow ASEAN members, ensuring that it is practical and directly addresses the region’s priorities and needs. The partnership, he noted, will play a pivotal role in aligning regional ambition with actionable pathways.
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